Art show returns, pays tribute to founder’s late wife

The West Fine Art Show has become known over the past three years for offering a view of the West Coast – from the glories of nature to evocations of urban lifestyle – as seen through the eyes of outstanding artists, all of whom are available to mingle and chat with the public.

But the fourth edition, which comes Sept. 6 to 8 to the usual South Surrey venue, retired senator Gerry St. Germain’s Indian Springs Land and Cattle Co. ranch (19339 8 Ave.), has a deeply personal theme for the event’s founder and co-organizer, artist Murray Phillips.

This year’s West Fine Art Show, subtitled ‘Remembering Betty,’ is in honour of his late wife, who passed away June 1, following a battle with cancer. As usual, a charity is the recipient of some of the proceeds.

“The decision was made by Murray and Betty, before she died, to run this year’s show in support of the Langley Hospice, where Betty spent her last few weeks,” said artists and co-organizer Brian Croft, adding it’s a fitting tribute to someone, past participants agree, was central to the success of the three earlier shows.

Hosted by St. Germain and his wife, Margaret, the West Fine Art Show will also be sparked by the input of celebrity hosts Red Robinson and Shell Busey, and the music of John Gilliat and Exit 58.

Croft, well known in South Surrey and Langley for his meticulous evocations of popular B.C. locations as they looked in earlier eras, will debut his new painting, Danceland 1963, depicting the iconic exterior of a long-defunct Vancouver venue for live music.

The show opening will be 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, featuring Robinson. On Sept. 7, the show will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a pancake breakfast with Busey until 11 a.m., while Sept. 8 the show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.westart.ca

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